Motor-generator system with a current control feedback loop

ABSTRACT

A motor-generator system with a current control feedback loop for generating electrical energy in stationary, portable, and automotive applications. The generator includes a housing defining an interior space and including a first portion and a second portion; an electric motor assembly positioned within the first portion of the housing, and operationally coupled to a shaft member for selectively rotating the shaft member; an electric generator assembly positioned within the second portion of the housing and operationally coupled to the shaft member for converting mechanical rotation into electrical energy, the electric generator assembly including a current output for supplying electrical current; and a control assembly operationally coupled between the electric generator assembly and the electric motor assembly the control assembly providing a control current to the electric motor assembly for controlling a speed of rotation induced into the shaft member by the electric motor assembly.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 11/497,165, filed Aug. 1, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,567,004, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/719,247, filed on Nov. 21, 2003, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,088,011 on Aug. 8, 2006.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to electrical generators and more particularly pertains to a new motor-generator system with a current control feedback loop for producing electric current in a highly efficient manner.

2. Description of the Prior Art

The use of electrical generators is known in the prior art. Examples include U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,252,552; 6,087,750; 5,372,474; 5,996,344; 3,934,964; 29,149; and 6,009,707.

While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the need remains for a system that can be used in stationary, portable, and automotive applications to provide electrical energy efficiency with low start-up energy requirements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention meets the needs presented above by providing a low energy start-up system with a n electrical current output which may be conditioned for the needs of each specific application through the use of convention step-up or step-down transformers.

An advantage of the present invention is to provide a new generator that has a lightweight magnetic drive wheel for the electric motor assembly making hand driven mechanical startup practical.

Another advantage of the present invention is the current control loop modified by the control assembly to control the speed of rotation of the electric motor assembly.

Still yet another advantage of the present invention is the use of multiple bearing plates to support the shaft member at both ends as well as medially.

Even still another advantage of the present invention is the wheeled stand assembly to facilitate portable applications of the motor generator assembly.

To this end, the present invention generally comprises a housing defining an interior space and including a first portion and a second portion; an electric motor assembly positioned within the first portion of the housing, and operationally coupled to a shaft member for selectively rotating the shaft member; an electric generator assembly positioned within the second portion of the housing and operationally coupled to the shaft member for converting mechanical rotation into electrical energy, the electric generator assembly including a current output for supplying electrical current; and a control assembly operationally coupled between the electric generator assembly and the electric motor assembly the control assembly providing a control current to the electric motor assembly for controlling a speed of rotation induced into the shaft member by the electric motor assembly.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

The objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a new generator according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the present invention with the housing removed.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the magnetic drive wheel of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of the magnetic drive wheel of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the stand assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective front view of the magnetic assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the bearing plate of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of the electric generator assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic functional interconnect diagram of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 through 9 thereof, a new motor-generator system with a current control feedback loop embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention will be described.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 9, the generator 10 generally comprises a housing, an electric motor assembly 20, an electric generator assembly 60, and a control assembly 63.

The housing 20 defines an interior space, and includes a first portion 21 and a second portion 22. The electric motor assembly 20 is positioned within the first portion 21 of the housing 20. The electric motor assembly 20 is operationally coupled to a shaft member 65. The electric motor assembly 20 selectively rotates the shaft member 65. The electric generator assembly 60 is operationally coupled to the shaft member 65, and converts mechanical rotation into electrical energy. The electric generator assembly 60 is positioned within the second portion 22 of the housing 20. The electric generator assembly 60 includes a current output for supplying electrical current. The control assembly 63 is operationally coupled between the electric generator assembly 60 and the electric motor assembly 20. The control assembly 63 provides a control current to the electric motor assembly 20 for controlling a speed of rotation induced into the shaft member 65 by the electric motor assembly 20.

Preferably, the electric motor assembly 20 includes a pair of magnetic drive wheels 32. Each one of the pair of magnetic drive wheels 32 has a plurality of bores 33 extending radially into the perimeter side wall. Each one of the bores 33 is for receiving an associate one of a plurality of magnetic assemblies 40. A plurality of apertures 34 extends through a first side of the magnetic drive wheel 32 into an associated one of the bores 33 for selectively receiving a securing member 35 to secure an associated one of the magnetic assemblies 40 into the associated one of the plurality of bores 33. A plurality of voids 36 extends from a first side of the magnetic drive wheel 32 through to a second side of the magnetic drive wheel 32. The voids 36 provide weight reduction for the magnetic drive wheel. The plurality of voids 36 is positioned symmetrically through the magnetic drive wheel 32 to maintain rotationally balance of the magnetic drive wheel 32.

In an embodiment the magnetic drive wheel 32 comprises a polymeric material to minimize weight of the magnetic drive wheel 32.

In a further embodiment each one of the plurality of magnetic assemblies 40 further comprises a rare earth magnet 42, a bottom cap member 43, a perimeter wall 44, and a top cap member 46. The rare earth magnetic 42 has a generally cylindrical form. The bottom cap member 43 is preferably operationally coupled to the rare earth magnet 42. The perimeter wall 44 extends upward from the bottom cap member 43 and substantially envelops a perimeter of the rare earth magnet 42. The perimeter wall 44 has a notch portion 45 extending downward from a top edge of the perimeter wall 44. The top cap member 46 is operationally coupled to the perimeter wall 44, and abuts a top portion of the rare earth magnet 42. The top cap member 46 is preferably an arcuate segment. The bottom cap member 43, the perimeter wall 44, and the top cap member 46 are steel for directing magnetic lines of flux.

In still a further embodiment an outer edge 47 of the arcuate segment top cap member 46 extends through an arc of 80 degrees.

In an embodiment the stator assembly 50 further comprises a plurality of rare earth magnets 52 and a plurality of coil members 56. Each one of the plurality of rare earth magnets 52 has a general Horse shoe shape with complementary poles portioned on each end 53, 54 of the horse shoe shape. Each one of the plurality of coil members 56 is wrapped around an associated one of the plurality of horse show shaped rare earth magnets 52. Each one of the plurality of coil member 56 is operationally coupled to the control assembly 63.

In an embodiment a first one of the pair of magnetic drive wheels 32 is offset from a second one of the pair of magnetic drive wheels 32. Thus, the magnetic assemblies 40 of the first one of the pair of magnetic drive wheels 32 are not aligned with the magnetic assemblies 40 of the second one of the pair of magnetic drive wheel 32.

Preferably, the magnetic assemblies 40 of the first one of the pair of magnetic drive wheels 32 is aligned with a first end 53 of the horse shoe shaped rare earth magnet 52 of the stator assembly 50. Each one of the magnetic assemblies 40 of the first one of the pair of magnetic drive wheels 32 includes a first magnetic polarity. The first end 53 of the horse shoe shaped rare earth magnet 52 of the stator assembly 50 includes an identical first magnetic polarity. Thus, the first end 53 of the horse shoe shaped rare earth magnet 52 of the stator assembly 50 repels each one of the magnetic assemblies 40 of the first one of the pair of magnetic drive wheels 32. Similarly, the magnetic assemblies 40 of the second one of the pair of magnetic drive wheels 32 is aligned with a second end 54 of the horse shoe shaped rare earth magnet 52 of the stator assembly 50. Each one of the magnetic assemblies 40 of the second one of the pair of magnetic drive wheels 32 includes a second magnetic polarity. The second end 54 of the horse shoe shaped rare earth magnet 52 f the stator assembly 50 includes an identical second magnetic polarity. Thus, the second end 54 of the horse shoe shaped rare earth magnet 52 of the stator assembly 50 repels each one of the magnetic assemblies 40 of the second one of the pair of magnetic drive wheels 32.

A first bearing plate 24 may be positioned at a first end of the first portion 21 of the housing for rotatably receiving a first end of the shaft member 65. Similarly, a second bearing plate 25 may be positioned at a first end of the second portion 22 of the housing 20 for rotatably receiving a second end of the shaft member 65. The first bearing plate 24 and the second bearing plate 25 rotatably support the weight of the shaft member 65.

Most preferably, a third bearing plate member 26 is positioned between the electric motor assembly 20 and the electric generator assembly 60 for rotatably supporting a medial portion of the shaft member 65.

A stand assembly 70 may be included for supporting the housing while the system 10 is in use. In an embodiment the stand assembly 70 further comprises a base member 71, a first cradle member 72, and a second cradle member 75. The base member 71 includes a horizontal first surface. The first cradle member 72 includes a vertical support portion 73 extending upwardly from the base member 71, and an engagement portion 74 for abutting an exterior portion of the housing 20. The second cradle member 75 includes a second vertical support portion 76 extending upwardly from the base member 71, and a second engagement portion 77 for abutting a second exterior portion of the housing. A vertical stanchion 78 member may extend between the first cradle member 72 and the second cradle member 75. Further, a plurality of wheels 79 may operationally coupled to the stand assembly 70 for facilitating transport of the system.

In use, the electric motor assembly is started by the application of an external current, or by physically inducing rotation of the magnetic drive wheels. This initial rotation causes the shaft member to rotate, which in turn rotates a generator magnet assembly past a plurality of generator coils generating electricity. At least a portion of the current generated is routed to the control assembly, modified and routed back to the plurality of coil members of the electric motor assembly. This current feedback can be used to increase or decrease the magnetic flux between the magnetic assemblies and the horse shoe shaped rare earth magnets changing the speed of rotation of the magnetic drive wheels.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

1. A magnetic drive wheel comprising: a main body being generally wheel-shaped; a plurality of bores extending radially into the main body from an outer perimeter of the main body; a plurality of magnetic assemblies, each magnetic assembly placed in a respective one of the bores; and a plurality of voids extending from a first planar side of the main body to a second planar side of the main body, the plurality of voids providing weight reduction to the magnetic drive wheel.
 2. The magnetic drive wheel of claim 1 wherein the plurality of voids are positioned symmetrically around an axis of the magnetic drive wheel, so as to maintain rotational balance of the magnetic drive wheel.
 3. The magnetic drive wheel of claim 1 wherein the main body comprises a polymeric material.
 4. The magnetic drive wheel of claim 1 further comprising: a plurality of apertures, each aperture extending through the first planar side of the main body into an associated one of the bores in the main body; a plurality of securing members, each securing member inserted into an associated one of the apertures in the main body for securing an associated one of the magnetic assemblies within the associated bore of the main body.
 5. The magnetic drive wheel of claim 1 wherein at least one of the bores of the plurality of bores extends toward one of the voids of the plurality of voids, the at least one bore extending approximately one-half of a distance between the outer perimeter of the main body and the at least one void.
 6. The magnetic drive wheel of claim 1 wherein each of the magnetic assemblies is substantially fully inserted in the respective one of the bores.
 7. The magnetic drive wheel of claim 1 wherein a said magnetic assembly in a respective said bore does not extend outwardly beyond the outer perimeter of the main body.
 8. A magnetic drive wheel comprising: a main body being generally wheel-shaped; a plurality of bores extending radially into the main body from an outer perimeter of the main body; a plurality of magnetic assemblies, each magnetic assembly placed in a respective one of the bores; and a plurality of voids extending from a first planar side of the main body to a second planar side of the main body, the plurality of voids providing weight reduction to the magnetic drive wheel; wherein each of the magnetic assemblies comprises: a rare earth magnet; a bottom cap member abutting the rare earth magnet; and a perimeter wall extending upward from the bottom cap member and substantially enveloping a perimeter of the rare earth magnet.
 9. The magnetic drive wheel of claim 8 wherein each perimeter wall comprises: a top edge; and a notch portion extending downward from the top edge, such that a portion of the perimeter of the rare earth magnet substantially enveloped by the perimeter wall is exposed by the notch portion.
 10. The magnetic drive wheel of claim 9 wherein each magnetic assembly further comprises a top cap member operationally coupled to the perimeter side wall, the top cap member abutting a top portion of the rare earth magnet of the magnetic assembly.
 11. The magnetic drive wheel of claim 10 wherein the top cap member is an arcuate segment.
 12. The magnetic drive wheel of claim 11 wherein the top cap member has an outer edge extending through an angle of between 45 and 180 degrees inclusive.
 13. The magnetic drive wheel of claim 12 further comprising: a plurality of apertures, each aperture extending through the first planar side of the magnetic drive wheel into an associated one of the bores; and a plurality of securing members, each securing member inserted into an associated one of the apertures for securing an associated one of the magnetic assemblies within the associated bore, and wherein the plurality of voids are positioned symmetrically around an axis of the magnetic drive wheel so as to maintain rotational balance of the magnetic drive wheel, and wherein the main body comprises a polymeric material.
 14. The magnetic drive wheel of claim 13 wherein each bottom cap member, each perimeter wall, and each top cap member comprises steel for directing magnetic lines of flux.
 15. The magnetic drive wheel of claim 12 wherein each bottom cap member, each perimeter wall, and each top cap member comprises steel for directing magnetic lines of flux.
 16. The magnetic drive wheel of claim 11 wherein the top cap member has an outer edge extending through an angle of about 80 degrees.
 17. The magnetic drive wheel of claim 16 wherein each bottom cap member, each perimeter wall, and each top cap member comprises steel for directing magnetic lines of flux.
 18. The magnetic drive wheel of claim 11 wherein each bottom cap member, each perimeter wall, and each top cap member comprises steel for directing magnetic lines of flux.
 19. The magnetic drive wheel of claim 10 wherein each bottom cap member, each perimeter wall, and each top cap member comprises steel for directing magnetic lines of flux.
 20. The magnetic drive wheel of claim 9 wherein each bottom cap member, each perimeter wall, and each top cap member comprises steel for directing magnetic lines of flux.
 21. A magnetic drive wheel comprising: a main body being generally wheel-shaped; a plurality of bores extending radially into the main body from an outer perimeter of the main body; a plurality of magnetic assemblies, each magnetic assembly placed in a respective one of the bores; and a plurality of voids extending from a first planar side of the main body to a second planar side of the main body, the plurality of voids providing weight reduction to the magnetic drive wheel; wherein each of the magnetic assemblies comprises: a rare earth magnet having a generally cylindrical form; a bottom cap member abutting the rare earth magnet; and a perimeter wall extending upward from the bottom cap member and substantially enveloping a perimeter of the rare earth magnet. 